The Slovenian star set a Mavericks franchise record with 41 first-half points, maintaining his dominance in the second half as the Hawks attempted to mount a comeback. Alongside his scoring, Doncic also contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists to secure the victory.
Doncic's shooting efficiency was exceptional, as he connected on 25 of 33 shots, including 8 three-pointers, and made an impressive 15 of 16 free throws. His performance ranks among the top in his career, even though his primary focus was helping his team end their three-game losing streak.
The return of Trae Young for the Hawks was overshadowed by Doncic's historic performance. Young managed to lead Atlanta with 30 points, a commendable effort after missing two games due to concussion protocol.
Doncic's 73-point outburst propels him into the elite company of NBA legends. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant have scored more points in a single game, with Chamberlain holding the record at 100 points in 1962 and Bryant's iconic 81-point game in 2006. Chamberlain also recorded two games with 73 points, a feat also achieved by David Thompson and now Doncic.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Doncic's incomparable talent and highlighted his ability to involve his teammates despite his scoring prowess. Doncic's clutch layup, free throw, and clever decision-making ultimately secured the victory for Dallas, as they held off a late surge from the Hawks.
This performance from Doncic surpassed his previous career-high of 60 points, set against the New York Knicks on December 27, 2022. It is worth noting that this incredible display came just days after Joel Embiid's 70-point performance for the Philadelphia 76ers against the San Antonio Spurs.
In other notable NBA action, Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker scored an impressive 62 points, yet his remarkable effort wasn't enough to prevent a 133-131 defeat to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers displayed great resilience, erasing a significant deficit to secure the victory with a late putback by Obi Toppin.
Furthermore, Jaren Jackson Jr. propelled the Memphis Grizzlies to a nail-biting 107-106 win over the Orlando Magic, contributing 30 points and 8 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell's 32-point performance led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a solid 112-100 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's near triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.
In coaching news, the Milwaukee Bucks confirmed the arrival of Doc Rivers as their new head coach following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin. Rivers, who previously guided the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship title in 2008, will bring a wealth of experience to the Bucks organization.
The NBA continues to showcase extraordinary performances, with record-breaking displays from Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid captivating fans worldwide. These individual efforts serve as a testament to the incredible talent and competitiveness within the league.
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